Wikis are relatively simple websites that offer substantial flexibility for training and instruction. Wikis can be used to house policy and procedure manuals and/or written instructional manuals or video media*. Anne Welsh (2007) discusses several advantages in using wikis for training new personnel for her drug company. According to Welsh (2007), a significant advantage is the ease offered by wikis in keeping the policy and training manuals updated. Print versions tend to remain outdated much longer than wiki versions, due to the simplicity in updating a small section without needing to reprint the manual. Also, Welsh (2007) states, at the risk of outdated resources being left out for circulation is significantly less. Additionally, Welsh (2007) points out that the ease of updating wikis make it less likely that employees will leave a company and take valuable information with them, as they can simply add it before leaving.
As for wikis used during training, Welsh (2007) also suggests wikis are better than printed materials. In her company, anyone can contribute to the wiki site, and therefore the "voice" is dynamic, with variety as opposed to a single voice often used in a formal training manual. The addition of hyperlinks also allow the learner to view content in whatever order they choose, and to be select on what content is reviewed. Finally, and Welsh (2007) stress perhaps most importantly, wikis "sit[s] between formal and informal communication." (p.28) In this way, content can be delivered in writing in a formal manner, but interspersed with a more casual, informal communication style.
Example of a Text Only Training Manual
Example of a Training Manual Using Video Presentation (for fun!)
Training and Instruction Applications
Wikis are relatively simple websites that offer substantial flexibility for training and instruction. Wikis can be used to house policy and procedure manuals and/or written instructional manuals or video media*. Anne Welsh (2007) discusses several advantages in using wikis for training new personnel for her drug company. According to Welsh (2007), a significant advantage is the ease offered by wikis in keeping the policy and training manuals updated. Print versions tend to remain outdated much longer than wiki versions, due to the simplicity in updating a small section without needing to reprint the manual. Also, Welsh (2007) states, at the risk of outdated resources being left out for circulation is significantly less. Additionally, Welsh (2007) points out that the ease of updating wikis make it less likely that employees will leave a company and take valuable information with them, as they can simply add it before leaving.As for wikis used during training, Welsh (2007) also suggests wikis are better than printed materials. In her company, anyone can contribute to the wiki site, and therefore the "voice" is dynamic, with variety as opposed to a single voice often used in a formal training manual. The addition of hyperlinks also allow the learner to view content in whatever order they choose, and to be select on what content is reviewed. Finally, and Welsh (2007) stress perhaps most importantly, wikis "sit[s] between formal and informal communication." (p.28) In this way, content can be delivered in writing in a formal manner, but interspersed with a more casual, informal communication style.
Example of a Text Only Training Manual
Example of a Training Manual Using Video Presentation (for fun!)
To view the actual sites:
http://wiki.hostelmanagement.com/wiki
http://spongebob.wikia.com/wiki/Krusty_Krab_Training_Video